Dachshund dies in Stamford pit bull attack

John Nickerson

Updated 8:37 pm, Thursday, June 5, 2014

STAMFORD -- A Dachshund severely mauled Wednesday morning by a pit bull mix succumbed to its injuries hours after the attack.

Dante Ivanez, the superintendent of the Fairlawn Condominium complex at 1042 East Main St. said the Dachshund named Dulce died while undergoing surgery at the Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in the South End Wednesday afternoon.

The attack took place while the two dogs were being walked on leashes behind the condominium complex on the city's East Side.

According to witnesses, the pit bull named Banks latched on to Dulce and started thrashing the 25-pound dog nearly severing its rear right legs. The attack didn't stop until two men beat Banks off the smaller dog with a rock and a brick.

Ivanez said the women who owns Dulce is broken up over the loss and told him "I can't believe what I saw. My little dog getting torn apart."

The pit bull was being walked by a caretaker while its owners are away and is still being kept at the condo complex provoking fear among some residents, Ivanez said.

"I don't think she should bring the dog out again," Ivanez said.

Police would not discuss the incident and said they are still investigating.

The attack occurred as police also continue to investigate the city's Animal Control Shelter where potentially aggressive dogs may have been adopted out in violation of state guidelines. The shelter has been closed to the public for more than a month.